Support President Rajapaksa’s statesmanship

We in Sri Lanka were twice blessed in the past with statesmen leaders. Statesmen have a clearly defined vision for their country and constituents and he knows exactly what he wants to accomplish during his time in office. The general view about the politician is someone having a primary objective to get elected. The American political consultant, James Carville, said ‘A statesman was one who looks to the next generation and a politician was one who looked to the next election.’

The Nobel laureate, Nelson Mandela, was one of the world’s most revered statesmen. Though jailed for 27 long years by the apartheid government, he emerged to become the country’s first black President and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. His charisma, self-deprecating sense of humour and lack of bitterness over his harsh treatment, as well as his amazing life story explain his extraordinary global appeal.

We are glad that although he is not in the same class of Nelson Mandela, we are about to see another statesman of our own in the making. First of all he is not a politician, secondly he is not looking for any glory. His recent request from the public not to invite him for private functions really impressed all. His few achievements in a short period of time warrant praise. Who can overlook what our country achieved in controlling COVID-19 under his leadership to be commended by the WHO? We urge the cabinet as well as the government in general to extend their support to the President to do more for his country and his countrymen.

S.H.MOULANA